A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that social media companies can be held legally liable for content promoted by their recommendation algorithms, a decision that could fundamentally reshape how platforms curate and distribute content.

The ruling involves a lawsuit filed by families who allege that a major social media platform algorithmically recommended harmful content to their teenagers. The court held that Section 230 immunity does not protect platforms when their algorithms actively promote specific content.

The decision breaks with several other circuit courts that have previously ruled that algorithmic curation is protected speech under Section 230. Legal experts said the split increases the likelihood of Supreme Court review.

Digital rights groups warned the ruling could force platforms to make drastic changes to how they surface content, potentially limiting access to diverse viewpoints and slowing the spread of important information.